Managing pain in pets is rarely about finding a single solution. Pain can have multiple causes and affect each animal differently. For this reason, many veterinarians may use a multimodal approach that combines different therapies to address pain from multiple angles.

For pets experiencing pain from conditions such as osteoarthritis or orthopedic injuries, a multimodal treatment plan may include medications, physical rehabilitation, weight management, acupuncture, laser therapy, and other therapies. VetStem Cell Therapy may also be considered as part of an individualized treatment plan. Rather than simply masking pain, stem cell therapy addresses some of the underlying processes associated with pain, including inflammation and tissue damage.

One way stem cells may help manage pain is by reducing inflammation. After administration, stem cells release a variety of signaling molecules that can help regulate the inflammatory and immune response. This may help reduce inflammation while supporting the body’s natural healing processes. Research has also explored how stem cells may directly influence pain. Studies have found that stem cells release small proteins called cytokines that can have pain-relieving effects. Interestingly, some of these pain-relieving effects can be reversed by naloxone, an opioid antagonist.

The goal of multimodal pain management is to help pets remain as comfortable and active as possible while addressing the factors contributing to their pain. For some pets, VetStem Cell Therapy may be one component of that approach. If your pet is showing signs of pain, talk with your veterinarian about the cause of the pain and which combination of treatments may be appropriate. You can also contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

Throughout Animal Pain Awareness Month, VetStem is highlighting the importance of recognizing pain and exploring options that may help pets enjoy a better quality of life.

Pets can’t tell us when something hurts, so recognizing pain often depends on noticing changes in their behavior and daily routines. While some signs of pain, such as crying out, limping, or obvious difficulty moving, may be easy to recognize, other signs can be much more subtle. This is especially true with chronic pain, which can develop gradually and may be mistaken for normal aging. Knowing what to look for can help pet owners recognize potential problems and seek veterinary care sooner.

So, what are some of the signs that your pet may be experiencing pain? Somt things to watch out for include:

1. Less activity: Your pet may be sleeping more or no longer seem interested in walks, play, or other favorite activities.
2. Difficulty getting up or lying down: Stiffness or hesitation when changing positions can be a sign of discomfort.
3. Reluctance to jump or use stairs: A dog that suddenly avoids the couch or stairs or a cat that no longer jumps in the cat tree may be experiencing pain.
4. Changes in behavior: Pain can cause pets to become withdrawn, irritable, restless, or less interested in interacting with their family.
5. Changes in grooming: Cats, in particular, may groom less when they are uncomfortable, while excessive licking of a particular area can also indicate a problem.
6. Changes in appetite or sleep: Pain may affect eating habits or make it difficult for a pet to get comfortable and sleep normally.
7. Changes in movement: Limping is an obvious sign, but shorter walks, an altered gait, stiffness, or simply moving differently can also indicate pain.

For more information and resources to help determine if your pet is in pain, visit the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) website here: https://www.ivapm.org/copy-of-are-you-concerned-that-your-pet-is-in-pain

It is important to remember that these signs do not necessarily mean your pet is in pain, and animals may respond to pain differently. However, any noticeable change from your pet’s normal behavior or activity level is worth paying attention to. Keeping track of when the changes occur and discussing them with your veterinarian can help identify the underlying cause and determine whether treatment is needed. Pain should not simply be considered a normal part of getting older.

Throughout Animal Pain Awareness Month, the VetStem blog will continue exploring different aspects of pain in animals, including approaches to pain management and treatment options that may help pets live more comfortable, active lives. Follow along throughout September to learn more about recognizing and managing pain in our animal companions.

September is Animal Pain Awareness Month, an annual campaign established by the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) to raise awareness about pain in animals and the importance of effective pain management. Animals experience many of the same types of pain as people, including pain associated with injury, surgery, arthritis, and other medical conditions. While acute pain is often easier to recognize, chronic pain can be much more difficult to identify and may be mistaken for normal signs of aging. As IVAPM emphasizes, getting older is not a disease, and pain should not simply be considered a normal part of aging.

Recognizing pain is the first step toward helping an animal feel better. Pets cannot tell us when something hurts, so they often communicate through changes in their behavior and daily routines. A pet that is less active, reluctant to climb stairs or jump, having difficulty getting up, sleeping more, or showing less interest in activities they once enjoyed may be experiencing pain. These changes can be gradual, making them easy to overlook. Paying attention to what is normal for an individual pet, and noticing when that changes, can help owners identify potential problems earlier and seek veterinary care.

Animal Pain Awareness Month is also an opportunity to recognize that pain management is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Depending on the underlying cause and individual needs of the patient, veterinarians may recommend a combination of treatments, including medications, physical rehabilitation, acupuncture, laser therapy, and even VetStem Cell Therapy. That’s right, stem cells have demonstrated the ability to directly modulate pain. More on this later.

This Animal Pain Awareness Month, take time to learn the signs of pain and talk with your veterinarian if you notice changes in your pet’s comfort, mobility, or behavior. Throughout September, follow the VetStem blog as we explore different aspects of animal pain, from recognizing the signs to understanding pain management options and how stem cell therapy may help.